JD Simo & Luther Dickinson Do The Rump! (LP)

(Forty Below Records) 8 tracks

JD Simo and Luther Dickinson have carved out their own reputations as solo artists, sidemen, songwriters and guitar heroes. Together they are a creative force to be reckoned with as they make their own version of amplified American roots music. On their first album together, “Do The Rump!”, the two musicians trade fast-paced guitar solos, take turns on the mic and transform their classic influences - including hill country blues, spirituals, swamp rock and Afrobeat - into something more contemporary, reinterpreting a number of their old-school favorites into eclectic, electrifying anthems.

The partnership began on stage, where Simo and Dickinson first shared the spotlight as touring members of Phil Lesh and Friends. Dickinson had already made a name for himself as co-founder of the Grammy-winning duo North Mississippi Allstars and as a celebrated guitarist for bands such as Black Crowes and John Hiatt. Similarly, JD Simo had gained an audience not only with his solo project, but also as a session musician for Jack White, Beyonce, Chris Isaak and Baz Luhrmann's Elvis film.